J.J. Abrams' return as writer-director is noy the only big change to "Star Wars: Episode IX." The third and final film in the sequel trilogy was scheduled to hit theaters on May 24, 2019. However, it's been pushed back to December 20, 2019. In its place, Disney's live-action "Aladdin," which is directed by Guy Ritchie and stars Will Smith as the Genie, will take the May 24 release date. The December release date will be a fitting end to the trilogy, since "The Force Awakens" came out in December 2015. "The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15th of this year.